It's not every day that a former first-round pick becomes available in the NFL. That could be the case over the next week as teams around the league have to cut down their 90-man roster to 53 players before 4 P.M. EST on August 27th. Each team has its roster questions as it decides who to keep and who they will let go.
Trades are always an option this time of year. Some clubs will try to get some value for a player they might otherwise have cut. We will see what sort of action on the trade market happens but expect the Steelers to remain active. They would like to upgrade certain positions before the regular season commences.
According to Ari Meirov, the Vikings might be ready to move on from Lewis Cine. He mentioned in a recent video, "Minnesota is fine at safety without him. Could he be a player they are willing to move?" He did mention this more as a trade possibility rather than an outright release, but those who cover the Vikings believe he still has an uphill battle to make the team.
Cine has battled injuries and struggled to find playing time since being a top pick by the Vikings just a couple of years ago. He has started to perform better ever since the preseason schedule began. If this safety were to become available either via trade or on the waiver wire over the next week, the Steelers should express interest in him.
There are always shocking cuts this time of year, and Cine could be the next one. Your availability is your best ability as Mike Tomlin likes to say. Cine has not been able to remain available for the Vikings during his brief time there. Many who cover Minnesota football are struggling to find him a spot on many of their roster projections.
Coming out of Georgia, many started to get excited about what he could provide to an NFL defense. He had the speed and hitting power to compete with any athlete. He was a raw player coming out of college who seemingly needed development. That has slowed, but the Steelers love former first-round selections who they can turn into projects.
If Pittsburgh were willing to go out and get Cine either in a trade or if he gets released, they would have to move on from another player. Damontae Kazee could be an odd man out despite the experience that he brings. Cine is much younger and someone who could provide a higher ceiling. Unless the black and gold keep five at the position, it's unlikely someone in the safety room would be safe.
Cine is a free safety by trade, but he has shown the ability to play in different areas in the defensive backfield. He has taken snaps in the slot and at strong safety in certain packages. Pittsburgh will love seeing that, as they need options at those spots. He has yet to show anything on special teams, but his hard-hitting ability might make him a quality contributor there if that's what the team desires.
Expect the Steelers to remain active in trade talks and on the waiver wire when roster cuts come rolling into the newsroom. They could use some help at certain positions as the regular season gets closer. Cine would be a nice pickup to develop as a young safety who could benefit in his development by having a change of scenery.
